Year: 2008
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Sharp Injuries are one of the serious problems that face healthcare workers; it is the bridge for occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus. Surveys of healthcare workers indicate that 50% or more of healthcare workers do not report their occupational exposure to sharp injuries. The objectives of this study were; a) examine the relationships between the demographic variables (age, gender, agency, education level, occupation, working area, and shift) and reporting rates of sharp injuries; and b) determine the reasons for underreporting of sharp injuries. Methods: Cross-sectional study with multi-stages cluster sampling was carried out in June 2006 till June 2007. Data were collected using a survey that was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two thousand surveys were distributed to healthcare workers who were working in private and public hospitals. Results: One thousand and sixty eight healthcare workers filled out the surveys. Overall reporting rate was 15.6% (ranged from 5.3% to 25.9%). Highest reporting rates were found among the following subgroups; female (15.4%), who hold Diploma degree (15.9%); working in public settings (15%), working in pediatric floor (17.9%), dialysis workers (25.9%), and working between 3 pm -11 pm (16.2%). The main reasons for underreporting were: care did not give in timely manner; insufficient information given about blood-borne pathogens; their questions about blood-borne pathogens and screenings were not answered; no encouragement to call; place where care was given was not good, and staffs feel rushed. Conclusion: Underreporting of occupational exposures to sharp injuries is a significant problem facing Jordanian healthcare workers. Universal precautions should be included in the curricula and in-service programs. Procedures for reporting sharp injuries must be available and clear to all healthcare workers.
Author: Z. Hassan
Institution: Hashemite University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
OpenAlex ID: W1968140456